Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Angela's $200 Amazon gift card vanished. Refunds went awry, promises broken. Will Angela ever see her money?

I want my stolen $200 gift card back from Amazon. Can you help me?

June 19, 2024August 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Angela Hoo orders a $200 gift card from Amazon, but it’s stolen from her doorstep. Amazon offers a refund, but then it refunds the wrong card. How can she fix this?

Here's a dirty little secret about the $4.1 million American Airlines fine for violating the tarmac delay rule. You won't see a dime of it.

Who gets the money from American Airlines’ record $4.1 million fine? Not you

January 19, 2024August 29, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a dirty little secret about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s record $4.1 million fine against American Airlines for violating the tarmac delay rule, announced with great fanfare yesterday: Passengers probably won’t see a dime of it.

John Schwager canceled his cruise for health reasons and filed a claim with Travel Insured International. What happened next will surprise you.

Travel Insured International owes me $12,780. Where’s the money?

September 10, 2024August 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

John Schwager has been waiting months for his travel insurance payment from Travel Insured International. What’s the holdup?

Beware of new tourism scams, including swindles involving deception, distraction and petty theft. Here's how to spot them -- and avoid them.

Here are the newest tourist scams (they’re worse than ever)

January 19, 2024August 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Beware of new tourism scams, including swindles involving deception, distraction and petty theft. Here’s how to spot them — and avoid them.

If you're going somewhere, chances are you need a reliable carry-on or rollaboard. But how do you buy the best luggage for your next trip?

Here’s how to buy the best luggage for your next trip

November 23, 2025August 24, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re going somewhere, chances are you need a reliable carry-on or rollaboard. But how do you buy the best luggage for your next trip?

Insurance ordeal with Overseas Adventure Travel: Delayed refunds, broken promises, and a surprising insurance policy twist revealed.

Where’s the $10,954 travel insurance check for my canceled Overseas Adventure Travel tour?

June 3, 2025August 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Howard Gleckman’s wife breaks her ankle just before the couple is scheduled to embark on an Overseas Adventure Travel tour. But now their insurance check has been delayed five months. What’s going on?

Even the best travelers can make the worst travel mistakes. I should know. I've made them all. Yes, me -- the world's smartest traveler.

Attention travelers: These are the worst travel mistakes you can make

January 10, 2026August 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Even the best travelers can make the worst travel mistakes. I should know. I’ve made them all. Yes, me — the world’s smartest traveler.

What kind of fall travel mistakes should you avoid? There are many, but here's the biggest one.

Fall travel mistakes even the best travelers make

January 19, 2024August 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What kind of fall travel mistakes should you avoid? There are many, but here’s the biggest one.

If you have plans to visit Maui soon, you might want to reconsider. But when can you return after a natural disaster? Here's how to know.

When is it safe to go back to Maui? Here’s your natural disaster tourism guide

January 19, 2024August 17, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you have plans to visit Maui soon, you might want to reconsider. But when can you return after a natural disaster? Here’s how to know.

Elly Kinsella was charged $740 by Quest Diagnostics for miscoded tests. Learn how advocacy resolved this billing issue and secured a refund.

Quest has sent my bill to collections — but I don’t owe anything!

January 19, 2024August 17, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After getting strong-armed into paying a medical bill she doesn’t owe, Elly Kinsella tries to get a refund from her physician’s office. Can she get her $740 back?